Cystic Fibrosis Center

The Cystic Fibrosis Center headed by Prof. Dr. Marcus A. Mall offers continuous treatment and training for cystic fibrosis patients. Our in- and outpatients are treated by a team of experienced and specially trained CF doctors, pediatric nurses, physiotherapists, dietitians and psychologists. Our common goal is to keep improving the life expectancy and the quality of life of cystic fibrosis patients with early diagnosis and modern, individualized therapy.

Cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis (CF), one of the most common hereditary diseases in Germany, is caused by mutations in the CFTR gene. Patients frequently develop chronic lung disease early in life, but other organs such as the pancreas, intestine or liver may also be affected.

Diagnosis

Besides providing patient care, our center focuses on differential diagnoses in cases of suspected cystic fibrosis. To this end, we use the following diagnostic methods:

This new diagnostic method is used if neither the sweat test nor genetic tests provide reliable results on whether or not the patient has cystic fibrosis. In these cases, a diagnosis can be made within a day by direct measurement of the CFTR function in rectal biopsies. The method also shows whether there is a total loss of function or whether there is still some residual chloride secretion from the CFTR ion channels. Since a residual CFTR function means a milder progression of the disease, this test can provide additional information on the prognosis and may also be useful for patients known to have cystic fibrosis.